Time for another wardrobe declutter: The 9 essential items you need for your capsule wardrobe.

 If you're a regular reader of this blog, you'll have picked up I have a slight obsession with anything to do with wardrobe minimisation, be it spring cleaning, decluttering, or indeed selling/giving away old clothes I no longer wear. I have one of those wardrobes that takes over several rooms. My shoe collection fills an attic and a hallway. The dream is to have a single wardrobe with only the items I actually wear and maybe 10 pairs of shoes - maximum. So whenever Spring is in the air and those first rays of sun peep from behind the clouds, I refer back to my well-thumbed Mary Kondo's 'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up' (which incidentally has just been turned into a wildly successful Netflix series) and I get to thinking about another declutter.

Did you know that women, on average, only wear 20% of their wardrobe 80% of the time? While many people may be shocked when they hear that statistic, we can all agree that it is real. 

We have wardrobes bulging to the seams with clothes we bought with good intentions but seldom wear for many reasons, the most common of which being our anxiety of stepping out of our comfort zone in real life rather than in a store changing room.

But do you ever consider the trip that particular item took to arrive at its current location at the back of your closet? 

Every day, more shocking revelations about the industry's ethical shortcomings and unsustainable practises emerge, signalling that it's time to take our clothing footprint seriously. And that means getting on board with the 'capsule wardrobe' trend. 

What exactly is a 'capsule wardrobe'? It basically only refers to having things in your closet that you really wear and not having any that you don't. It's exactly what a conventional wardrobe should be, but we've abused them to the point that we've had to add the prefix.

So, how do you get from a jumble of fabric to a tight edit of items you'll use and re-use all the time? 

There are just nine things that you must have. You heard that right - 9!!! Add about 20-30 free spaces to fill with any things you like, including t-shirts, party dresses, and skirts. And that, my friend, is your capsule wardrobe.

1. A CLASSIC KNIT

Isabel Marant crew neck Heona sweater £405

You can't go wrong with a basic black round neck jumper. Simultaneously flattering, sleek, with a touch of beatnik vibe. This one is by Isabel Marant. Not too chunky, this perfect jumper will see you through the seasons. Great as a cover up on chilly cross-seasonal evenings.

2. A BASIC JEAN

Levi's straight leg blue jeans £100

Jeans can come in an array of colours ranging from white to black to every colour in between. Whether flared, mom, boyfriend cut or skinny, styles will change with the season, but a straight leg blue jean will never go out of style.

3. A FAIL-SAFE COAT

YSL Trench coat in gabardine £1,890

This trench coat might be a little on the pricey side, but for the amount of wears you get out of it, it will be well worth the money. A classic coat is the hardest working piece in your wardrobe. It's the layer of clothing everyone will always see and so worth spending a little bit more if you can. If you can't, there are fantastic alternatives out there. I bought a gorgeous black trench from Topshop Boutique ten years ago for just over £100, and it's still doing its job today! A great investment piece.

4. A BLACK BLAZER

Overiszed black blazer COS £125

The best 'throw over your shoulders when you're freezing on a night out' item you will ever own. The cult black blazer goes with literally everything, from jeans and a white tee, to a sexy mini sequin evening dress. Can not go wrong.

5. AN EVERYDAY BAG

Mulberry Mitzy Boho from £300

I bought this handbag in purple around 10 years ago, have used it probably 200 days every year and it still looks brand new! How does this handbag not grow old? It's the vampire of handbags - there must be a painting of it up in my attic, because it looks as it did the day I bought it. The leather Mulberry uses is impeccable - other handbags have come and gone, but my Mulberry Mitzy remains.

6. TIMELESS JEWELLERY

Liberty, Ianthe sapphire 14k gold moon and star signet ring £780

Silver jewellery comes and goes, but there's something about yellow gold that feels eternal. Whether you're into slimline pieces or bolder ones, stock up on just a handful that you can wear every day for the foreseeable.

7. A CLASSIC SANDAL

Estia, Ancient Greek Sandals, £160

The ancient greek gladiator sandal is an all time classic. Whether you go for black or tan, you can't go wrong. The straps are supremely flattering, and whether you wear them in the city with jeans or on holiday with shorts, they will always look funky and cool. 

8. A SEASONAL BOOT

AllSaints Katy in black £229

Styles of boots may come and go (remember when everyone had a pair of Biker boots in the 90s?), but you'll never go wrong with a black leather ankle boot. The slightly Victorian look is a timeless classic and the low-mid heel makes it so easy to wear. The laces and buckle give this boot an edge. Perfect. Have wanted a pair of these for sooooo long. Now may be the time!

9. A COMFY TRAINER

New Balance 327 Beige £80

A white trainer is probably the best option if you're only going to have one pair of trainers, but I've been so taken by the colourway of the new New Balance in beige, I'm going to have to make an exception. And beige kind of goes with everything, right? Love the gorgeous retro feel too. Definitely on my shopping list. A pair of trainers is a must-have, whether you're running errands, going for a stroll in the park or spending an evening with friends, your favourite trainers will take you everywhere.